Florenzi backs Gasperini appointment, targets fourth place for Roma

Reader Michele dall'Oman has turned the Napoli-Roma match into a cartoon in the style of an Oscars ceremony, mocking Napoli defender Sam Beukema over the controversial incident late in the game at the Maradona. In the cartoon, Beukema wins the award for best supporting actor for his performance as a «falling star», a reference to his fall in the build-up to the 3-3 equaliser scored by Balerdi, the moment that sparked Napoli's protests. The poster in the background is for the film «Napoli-Roma 3-3», directed ironically by «Allegra», a play on the surname of Massimiliano Allegri. The drawing is the latest work from Michele dall'Oman, who has taken the high-tension, twist-filled encounter and presented it as a Hollywood-style awards night, complete with golden statuettes, a stage and the announcement of a winner. The piece reflects how the late incident dominated talk around the fixture, with Napoli's players and staff unhappy with the decision that led to Roma's goal. The cartoon is a light-hearted take on a match that Roma are likely to remember for its finish, with Balerdi's goal salvaging a point in a game full of drama and controversy.

Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri's shouted jibe at Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn fire, and the article argues that Roma's owners must now answer for the club. Allegri's remark, "Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket for them. Always them…", was aimed directly at Gasperini, the man chiefly responsible for Roma finishing third in the previous season, a position the article says they earned on merit. The writer says the remark was poisonous and false, and that the media largely kept the accusation quiet, with neither comment nor reaction from the press. Allegri's words, the article argues, questioned the fairness of the league and, above all, insulted Roma. The piece says the reply should come from Trigoria, where the Roma fanbase wants to hear the response and see the Friedkins finally defend the club. It draws a comparison with the night of 31 May 2023 in Budapest, after the Europa League final, when the writer says the ownership failed to protect the club following what he calls the scandalous performance of English referee Taylor. The article recalls that Mourinho spoke up then in defence of the team and its supporters, imitating Totti, while the club was left without protection. The writer argues that Gasperini should not be the one to respond, as that would repeat the mistake made three and a half years ago. Instead, the task belongs to Galantic, the new chief executive who represents the Friedkins in Rome, whose Italian the writer says is clear and easy to understand in public. The article also raises the possibility of a Federal Prosecutor's intervention. It says nobody is asking for a fine or even a suspension, because the issue is the last tournament, which Allegri has described as rigged. The writer adds that Allegri should first apologise to Milan fans, because just five months ago he was the one who handed the Champions League place to Roma, and to Como, placing it in Gasperini's jacket pocket. The article notes that Roma face Cagliari on Tuesday, and the writer expects Gasperini to address Allegri's comments in the build-up to that match. Whether the Procura Federale acts remains open, and the writer says the situation is on standby, with the response from Roma and any federal action still to come.

Radio commentators have reviewed Roma's goalless draw at Napoli, with several pundits offering views on the team's form and the fitness of key players. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo said: "Of the Napoli-Roma game I hardly liked anything, for me football is something else. Yesterday I saw every kind of thing for how the two teams managed to make this many mistakes. Of this match I take the result." Aspri, also on Radio Radio, said: "I haven't seen such a negative match. I saw a lot of competitive fire and a lot of desire from both teams. Molina came on and gave quality and brightness on the flank. I would also have put on Lulli, who is in great form and could have been useful with the quicksilver he has. Maybe Gasperini preferred to rely on experienced players. Soulé is completing a maturing process that was struggling to arrive, also because of the sports hernia, on which the medical staff is working very seriously. Without Dybala it is he who has taken Roma by the hand." On Radio Manà Manà Sport, Trevisani reported on the injury situation: "Svilar returns before the international break, perhaps in Manchester and almost certainly for Sassuolo. Dybala will also return before the break, probably in Udine." Rossomando, also on Radio Manà Manà Sport, addressed the club's ambitions: "Roma did not start the league season with the aim of the Scudetto as in 2000/01. You can try to fight to the end for that objective, but nobody is asking Roma to win the Scudetto at all costs. The draw at Napoli is something that is acceptable." Santoro, speaking on the same station, said: "Many fans believe Roma can make a top-of-the-table challenge until the end, so there may be regrets for a draw like yesterday's. You have faced Inter, Como and Napoli without losing. Which team in this Serie A can overwhelm you in a one-off game? There isn't one, whereas last year it happened."